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2020 Neil Ashmead Grand Tourer Shiraz
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First released from the 2008 vintage, the Grand Tourer Shiraz is a wine named after and produced in honour of Elderton co-founder, Neil Ashmead. Neil, who along with wife Lorraine, established Elderton and was a vital link in creating the Barossa’s currently enjoyed status as one of Australia’s most important viticultural areas. Infectious enthusiasm was one of Neil’s drivers in helping to pioneer the revitalisation of the region from the doom and gloom era of the late 1970s and early 80s.
Neil was a ‘Barossa Road Warrior’ like no other. Driving tirelessly from city to city with a car loaded with wine, doing tastings and dinners with whoever would listen, and generally spruiking the Barossa in a time where people were not really interested in a region that was stereotyped as a fortified producer. It was his love of fast cars that made this pursuit a little easier, thus the unusual choice for the name of this Shiraz. Unfortunately Neil passed away prematurely in 1997, however is succeeded by his two sons, Cameron and Allister, who believe this wine to be a very fitting tribute to an amazing individual who was always willing to push the boundaries of expectations and limitations.
| Winemakers Comments | This wine is a unique expression of Barossa Shiraz from our Nuriootpa vineyard planted in 1954 and more recently our Greenock Shiraz vineyards planted in 1980. These two parcels, whilst surrounded by other blocks of Shiraz, act quite differently. They are often the first to ripen and have a beautiful distinct and powerful floral note balanced with a very linear expression of Shiraz on the palate. This vintage release is a co-fermented blend of our two blocks, owing to the tiny production for which vintage 2020 is now well known. Juggling tiny volumes in open fermentation is difficult. We destemmed the hand-picked fruit which left plenty of intact berries for fermentation. With such a small volume, we hand plunged and moved the cap for the first few days to ensure even cooling and to protect the new ferment from oxidation until fermentation was well underway. We left the fruit a bare week on skins before pressing to barrel to finish fermentation in selected new and seasoned French oak. The new wine was left on lees post malolactic fermentation for 11 months, with frequent lees stirring helping to build mid-palate creaminess and seamless integration. |
|---|---|
| Style | Medium bodied, vibrant fruit with a distinct savoury line |
| Aroma | Wild berry with hints of maple coated bacon |
| Palate | Plush fruit reminiscent of summer berry pudding with a spiced note of charcuterie and peppery zest to freshen. Creamy palate with powerful yet seamless powdery tannins. |
| Drink | Drink now or cellar confidently for 5-10 years from vintage |
| Variety | Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vine Age | 31 - 66 years |
| Vintage | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Region | Barossa Valley: Estate Grown, 58% Greenock, 42% Nuriootpa |
| Maturation | French oak puncheons, 40% new for 17 months including 11 months on lees |
| Alc/Vol | 14.8% |
95 points - Ray Jordan
Rich, dark and powerful expression of Barossa shiraz. Powerful, yes, but it has a high degree of polish and poise in its smooth, exquisitely structured palate. Has all those earthy, plum, blackberry fruits with a little coffee grind and dark chocolate to complement. Further complexity with a mix of dried herbs and subtle floral notes contribute to a complete an enticing wine.
95 points - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Very deep, dark red colour with a good purple tint, the bouquet rich melted chocolate-tinged with spices and graphite. Aromatic sweet berries came up with time in the glass. A full-bodied but elegant, spicy style of Barossa shiraz. Good intensity and length in a very approachable framework.
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